Leslie Byers
Director of Membership & Communications
PGA of Canada Associate Professional
Mississaugua Golf and Country Club
The Club Management industry boasts a rich history, with many Clubs in Ontario and across Canada proudly celebrating or approaching their centenary milestones. This long-standing tradition highlights the industry's enduring relevance and its significant role in community and social life. However, for the industry to remain vibrant and continue its growth trajectory, Club Professionals must commit to ongoing development and continuous improvement.
Marcel Bregstein CCM/Sommelier
Assistant General Manager
The Toronto Hunt
On Thursday, June 6, 2024, my wife Elayne and I embarked on our journey to Napa to produce the Pilot episode of "The Wandering Somm with Marcel Bregstein". It was an unforgettable experience.
Bill Stepec
Director of Marketing & Communications
Ontario Racquet Club
What keeps our Clubs afloat? Depending on who you ask, you'll get a different answer. Quality facilities, cashflow, member sentiment and an engaged staff are all important - but if you're in Marketing & Communications, you'd say that information is the resource you need to take things to the next level.
Kevin Spicknell
Clubhouse Manager
Certified Sommelier
Mississaugua Golf and Country Club
Welcome to the Chronicles of Cork where we will be looking at wines that might not be on everyone’s everyday shopping but are available in the Vintages section of the LCBO and are worth checking out.
Trevor Noonan, CCM, CCE, ECM
Chief Operating Officer
Toronto Club
Assuming you don’t want a deep cellar but do appreciate fine wine and also value your hard-earned money, finding quality wines at reasonable prices can be a rewarding pursuit. With a bit of imagination and an open mind, you can enjoy brilliant wines without breaking the bank.
Jennifer Kennedy
Fitness and Wellness Clinic Director
The Boulevard Club
In today's fast-paced world, where the demands of work often tether us to our desks for hours on end, it's easy to neglect our physical well-being. Prolonged sitting not only takes a toll on our bodies but also on our productivity and overall health. But what if I told you that you can break free from the sedentary shackles of your desk with simple and effective exercises that you can do right at your workstation?
Rob Hickson
CMAC Ontario Branch – Membership & Marketing Vice Chair
General Manager, Lookout Point Country Club
Rob Hickson is an experienced club leader whose passion for member experience, strategic engagement, and professional service shines both in his club role and in his volunteer leadership within the CMAC Ontario Branch.
Hendrick van der Geld, CCM, PGA
CMAC Ontario Branch – Vice President
Chief Operating Officer, The Club at North Halton
Hendrick van der Geld is a distinguished leader in the Canadian club industry, currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer at The Club at North Halton in Georgetown, Ontario. As both a Certified Club Manager (CCM) and a Class “A” PGA Professional, Hendrick bridges the gap between elite athletic programming and sophisticated business operations.
In every strong professional community, there’s a steady force working behind the scenes—connecting people, shaping ideas, and turning momentum into meaningful action. At the CMAC Ontario Branch, that force is Lisa Noonan.
While members often experience the polished results—engaging events, valuable education sessions, and a growing network of peers—the work that brings it all together is layered, intentional, and deeply collaborative. A day in Lisa’s world is less about routine and more about orchestration—balancing strategy, creativity, and connection to keep the branch moving forward.
Shaun Tyler, MBA, BComm, PGA of Canada Class "A"
Professor, Sport Management Program
Faculty of Business, Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning
With May marking Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s worth recognizing that a job search in the golf and club management industry requires both professional discipline and personal resilience. Seasonality, competitive roles, and the relationship-driven nature of the industry can intensify the pressure and really turn up the heat for those “go-getter” types. Finding the appropriate balance and recognizing the signs of burnout varies between us all and is certainly easier said than done, but approaching the process with efforts that both stabilize and emphasize mental wellness is critical to maintaining performance and keeping a positive outlook.